Using slider camera straps

jerry12953

jerry12953

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Jeremy Moore
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I quite like the idea of getting a slider strap (eg Black Rapid) but am concerned that once it was attached to the tripod mount it would be fiddly to fit the body to the tripod, and impossible without moving the strap.

Solve one problem and introduce another?

Has anyone solved this by either buying a particular strap or fitting, or getting around it in any other way?
 
If you have a manfrotto tripod, you can buy the fastenR T1, which solves the problem. It replaces the screw in the tripod plate for a BR one, allowwing you to keep the tripod plate on the camera and attach the BR to the plate.
If you dont, then, there is no easy way, just undo the strap and attach the plate everytime.

Ive just bought a Black Rapid RS sport. Its a good strap, and as I use gitzo tripods, I have to realse the strap and attatch the plate every time, which is a bit of a pain.

I also have the Optech pro sling strap, and I dont like it at all. No where near as good as the Black rapid, although its plus point is it connects to the usual strap mount, leaving the tripod socket free. Its downsides are it slides about all over the place on your shoulder, doesnt have any stop locks on the strap like the BR does and just isnt as well made.
 
I have the optech sling and love it, i connect it to either the lens tripod mount (my 120-300mm has a dedicated bar for it) or i bought an arca swiss plate for the ungripped 7d that has a strap attachment. If its gripped it goes on the bar where the hand strap would fit.
 
I have a cheap ebay copy of the Black Rapid strap, and the it still attaches to the camera via the tripod mount, but screws in using a mounting plate rather than a bolt directly into the tripod thread...

The screw in then has a thread in the back, so you can leave it on which attaching the tripod. Build quality seems almost as good as the BR version, but obviously screwing the tripod directly tot he camera will be slightly more secure, I cant forsee too many issues!

Link here
 
TCR4x4 said:
If you have a manfrotto tripod, you can buy the fastenR T1, which solves the problem. It replaces the screw in the tripod plate for a BR one, allowwing you to keep the tripod plate on the camera and attach the BR to the plate.
If you dont, then, there is no easy way, just undo the strap and attach the plate everytime.

Ive just bought a Black Rapid RS sport. Its a good strap, and as I use gitzo tripods, I have to realse the strap and attatch the plate every time, which is a bit of a pain.

I also have the Optech pro sling strap, and I dont like it at all. No where near as good as the Black rapid, although its plus point is it connects to the usual strap mount, leaving the tripod socket free. Its downsides are it slides about all over the place on your shoulder, doesnt have any stop locks on the strap like the BR does and just isnt as well made.
Click to expand...

I'm just wondering if the drawbacks are to with the strap itself -you say it slips all over the place - or to the method of connecting it to the camera via the strap lug rather than the tripod mount?
 
In my opinion the optech just isnt very good. The Black rapid is just better designed and made, I just wish they would get off thier butts and make a real solution to the tripod issue, not just a half hearted efforst designed for only a fraction of the market.

Im not sure connecting the camera to the strap lug is the main issue, although I did find often the buckle got in the way when using back button focusing. You thumb was always getting trapped by it.. I think the tripod mount is the most effective, just the issue of having to remove it everytime you connect to a tripod is is biggest downfall.
 
TCR4x4 said:
In my opinion the optech just isnt very good. The Black rapid is just better designed and made, I just wish they would get off thier butts and make a real solution to the tripod issue, not just a half hearted efforst designed for only a fraction of the market.

Im not sure connecting the camera to the strap lug is the main issue, although I did find often the buckle got in the way when using back button focusing. You thumb was always getting trapped by it.. I think the tripod mount is the most effective, just the issue of having to remove it everytime you connect to a tripod is is biggest downfall.
Click to expand...

It looks like it IS a case of "solving one problem, creating another" then - at least till they get off their butts!
 
TCR4x4 said:
I think the tripod mount is the most effective, just the issue of having to remove it everytime you connect to a tripod is is biggest downfall.
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Thats why i got rid of my black rapid strap, when they sort out a good solution for Arca Swiss mounts i'll probably go back to them.
 
I'm successfully using a BR FastenR-T1 with a Giottos QR plate.. but it did need bit of work to make it fit.

But as said above they really need to address the issue of only supporting Manfrotto QR's
 
TCR4x4 said:
In my opinion the optech just isnt very good. The Black rapid is just better designed and made, I just wish they would get off thier butts and make a real solution to the tripod issue, not just a half hearted efforst designed for only a fraction of the market.

Im not sure connecting the camera to the strap lug is the main issue, although I did find often the buckle got in the way when using back button focusing. You thumb was always getting trapped by it.. I think the tripod mount is the most effective, just the issue of having to remove it everytime you connect to a tripod is is biggest downfall.
Click to expand...

Agree with this as i have both the Black Rapid RS5 and bought the converter for the Optech Talk Photography strap to use it as a Pro Sling strap.

The problem i had with the Optech is when trying to shoot portrait mode the buckle got in the way when its atached to the normally camera strap mount, i do have the fastenR-T1 for the Black Rapid and it works perfectly :)
 
Euan said:
Thats why i got rid of my black rapid strap, when they sort out a good solution for Arca Swiss mounts i'll probably go back to them.
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I use an Arca-Swiss type Markins L-bracket (here https://www.photoproshop.com/product_info.php/cPath/36_60/products_id/1005 ) and for anyone serious about tripod use, I seriously recommend one. It has a strap lug on the end, as do many ordinary Arca-Swiss plates (eg Hejnar on ebay).

I have fashioned a simple loop from the original Canon strap, about an inch long, sewn to this lug. It's very secure - I made damn sure it was - and have been using it for over a year (smooth any sharp edges first ;)).

Black Rapid clip simply hooks into this loop. Doesn't affect tripod use at all, with or without the BR strap attached, and the loop folds flush to the base of the camera when not in use, with a small patch of velcro to stop it flopping down. You don't know it's there. I also prefer the balance point which IMHO makes the camera hang better.

I've tried just about ever other attachment method I can think of, and this one is so simple and 100% effective :thumbs: Just make sure you sew it securely with multiple and indpendent stitchings but i'm pretty sure the BR strap will give way before my little loop does :)

I would show a picture but my camera can't photograph itself - hope you get the idea.

BTW OpTech strap is poor, not the same way of carrying a camera at all. It just gets in the way.
 
I like the Optech but then I use it with 1 point of contact on a normal body lug & another on the upward rotated tripod mount of my long lenses.
I find that both physically comfortable & I like the mental comfort of having both the body & lens connected to the strap (not that I have ever yet dropped either when changing lens/adding TC but there is always a first time ...).

& it works with the FastenR T1 too so if I want to use a tripod ( I have a Manfrotto) I don't have to remove the strap.
 
I use the optech as well, but I'm also using the proloop connectors which fit the manfrotto QR plate bolt on the bottom of the camera.
The optech sling is then connected to both the left lug and the tripod plate. Seems to work ok.

My one gripe is that the sling is designed to be worn over the left shoulder. I wear mine over my right so the little plastic stops are in the wrong place - above the camera and not below. Serves me right for being a leftie!
 
HoppyUK said:
I use an Arca-Swiss type Markins L-bracket (here https://www.photoproshop.com/product_info.php/cPath/36_60/products_id/1005 ) and for anyone serious about tripod use, I seriously recommend one. It has a strap lug on the end, as do many ordinary Arca-Swiss plates (eg Hejnar on ebay).

I have fashioned a simple loop from the original Canon strap, about an inch long, sewn to this lug. It's very secure - I made damn sure it was - and have been using it for over a year (smooth any sharp edges first ;)).

Black Rapid clip simply hooks into this loop. Doesn't affect tripod use at all, with or without the BR strap attached, and the loop folds flush to the base of the camera when not in use, with a small patch of velcro to stop it flopping down. You don't know it's there. I also prefer the balance point which IMHO makes the camera hang better.

I've tried just about ever other attachment method I can think of, and this one is so simple and 100% effective :thumbs: Just make sure you sew it securely with multiple and indpendent stitchings but i'm pretty sure the BR strap will give way before my little loop does :)

I would show a picture but my camera can't photograph itself - hope you get the idea.

BTW OpTech strap is poor, not the same way of carrying a camera at all. It just gets in the way.
Click to expand...

I was looking at the link you posted, Hoppy, and eventually realised that the apparently random series of letters and digits top right was the price of the bracket!:eek:

It sounds like you've got a good setup there.....my situation is slightly different in that I don't use a quick-release with my head - it's not necessary - so any plate would be a nuisance unless it was very discreet.

I had hoped that someone supplied a sliding strap which attached to one of the normal strap lugs but maybe that' s not the case, or if they do they don't work very well? (eg Optech)

I see that the Q strap and Carry Speed strap mentioned above by Resurrected include a plate to get round the tripod mount problem....has anyone tried one?
 
jerry12953 said:
I was looking at the link you posted, Hoppy, and eventually realised that the apparently random series of letters and digits top right was the price of the bracket!:eek:

It sounds like you've got a good setup there.....my situation is slightly different in that I don't use a quick-release with my head - it's not necessary - so any plate would be a nuisance unless it was very discreet.

I had hoped that someone supplied a sliding strap which attached to one of the normal strap lugs but maybe that' s not the case, or if they do they don't work very well? (eg Optech)

I see that the Q strap and Carry Speed strap mentioned above by Resurrected include a plate to get round the tripod mount problem....has anyone tried one?
Click to expand...

There must be a way around it Jerry. That Q-Strap brackety thing seems to work okay, if that offers a solution for you. On the L-bracket, they're expensive but work brilliantly, especially in portrait mode. Fit and forget; I don't know mine is there. Go Arca-Swiss :thumbs:

The reason the OpTech way isn't so good is because having the camera hang upsidedown is key to what makes these sling-straps work so well. The strap is always out of the way of your hand, and hanging down below the camera.

It's kinda hard to know how good sling-straps are until you try one. The way the camera lodges against your hip/thigh, the way you can slide it around the front/back and it stays there, the way the grip falls immediately to hand, and the camera slides up and down as if the strap wasn't there, fits over or under a jacket. You won't go back :D
 
jerry12953 said:
I was looking at the link you posted, Hoppy, and eventually realised that the apparently random series of letters and digits top right was the price of the bracket!:eek:

It sounds like you've got a good setup there.....my situation is slightly different in that I don't use a quick-release with my head - it's not necessary - so any plate would be a nuisance unless it was very discreet.

I had hoped that someone supplied a sliding strap which attached to one of the normal strap lugs but maybe that' s not the case, or if they do they don't work very well? (eg Optech)

I see that the Q strap and Carry Speed strap mentioned above by Resurrected include a plate to get round the tripod mount problem....has anyone tried one?
Click to expand...

I've just ordered a Q strap, I'll let you know.
 
jerry12953 said:
I quite like the idea of getting a slider strap (eg Black Rapid) but am concerned that once it was attached to the tripod mount it would be fiddly to fit the body to the tripod, and impossible without moving the strap.

Solve one problem and introduce another?

Has anyone solved this by either buying a particular strap or fitting, or getting around it in any other way?
Click to expand...

No problem - I use the BR strap with a arca style clamp, that way you can leave a lens plate attached to the tripod foot. When you want to mount on a tripod just unscrew the clamp and you are good to mount on a tripod.

BR2.jpg
 
Im waiting on a Lensloop strap much cheaper then the Blackrapid with a muh lower profile as well. A little concerned about the lack of a screw lock karabiner but we shall seen once it arrives.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/650793793/lens-loop-a-better-camera-strap

Also I see you can get the carry speed bracket for £9 shipped but personally I dont use my tripod a huge amount, so putting the QRP on when needed is no big deal.
 
Here's how I made the BR T1 work with a Giottos QR plate..


IMGP0894.jpg


Standard plate on the left and modified on the right showing the two raised rails that need removing. It's just a few mins work with a dremmel and then some matt black engine enamel to make it look OE.


IMGP0893.jpg


Giottos screw on the L and BR on the right - notice how little thread you get with the BR... which is undersized too


IMGP0895.jpg


Modified plate an BR screw fitted to camera. The extra washers pads out the step on the BR screw and spreads the loading over a bigger area.

Mine's been like this a while now and has been 100% reliable
 
Roy C said:
No problem - I use the BR strap with a arca style clamp, that way you can leave a lens plate attached to the tripod foot. When you want to mount on a tripod just unscrew the clamp and you are good to mount on a tripod.

BR2.jpg
Click to expand...

I tried that, and it works great, but you need a spare Arca-Swiss clamp and they;re expensive. Then you have all the extra ironmongery which, in particular, prevents the camera from sitting flat on its base. My little loop as explained above, doesn't get in the way at all and you can even leave the strap attached on a tripod.
 
Ffoeg said:
Here's how I made the BR T1 work with a Giottos QR plate..

<snip>

IMGP0893.jpg


Giottos screw on the L and BR on the right - notice how little thread you get with the BR... which is undersized too

<snip>
Click to expand...

You must have thought of this, but given your handyness with power tools, could you not take the standard Giottos stud on the left, remove the hook and drill the holes a bit deeper, then squeeze the hook back in the vice?

Wouldn't that work, and be very secure? I have that same Giottos plate in front of me now and it looks doable.
 
I did think along those lines and did get as far as removing the loop off the screw, which incidentally takes a fair bit of force to do so - far more than I'd hope my camera was ever subject too!

The initial plan was to drill right the hole right through and reshape the loop so the ends 'met' in the gap. But I decided to get the BR FastenR just so I could have a look at it, and see if it really does warrant the ridiculous price that BR stuff commands. Quite frankly it is over priced, and poorly dimensioned, as can be seen above. Interestingly the shade of black chrome is exactly the same as the carabiner on my Q strap, which is identical the the carabiners on the BR straps. I would be surprised if they are sourced from the same manufacturer.

Another idea floating round my noggin was to sandwich the Q strap plate to the camera using the Giottos QR plate and longer (allen headed) screw. That way you wouldn't even have to remove the strap to clip the camera on the tripod. That method would only cost a few pennies ;)
 
HoppyUK said:
I tried that, and it works great, but you need a spare Arca-Swiss clamp and they;re expensive. Then you have all the extra ironmongery which, in particular, prevents the camera from sitting flat on its base. My little loop as explained above, doesn't get in the way at all and you can even leave the strap attached on a tripod.
Click to expand...
Yep the clamps are expensive for what they are but I had one that I did not use anyway and when you are carrying £5k worth of gear then £40 is not much to pay. The extra weight of the clamp and lens plate was insignificant to me as I used it with the 300/2.8 + converter. Not quite sure what you mean about sitting flat on its base though unless you mean when not hanging from the strap! My lens plate is 5" long so when the clamp was off the whole lot would sit flat anyway - not that I ever needed to sit it flat.
BTW my clamp is again surplus to requirements as I have sold my 300/2.8.
 
Roy C said:
Yep the clamps are expensive for what they are but I had one that I did not use anyway and when you are carrying £5k worth of gear then £40 is not much to pay. The extra weight of the clamp and lens plate was insignificant to me as I used it with the 300/2.8 + converter. Not quite sure what you mean about sitting flat on its base though unless you mean when not hanging from the strap! My lens plate is 5" long so when the clamp was off the whole lot would sit flat anyway - not that I ever needed to sit it flat.
BTW my clamp is again surplus to requirements as I have sold my 300/2.8.
Click to expand...

Yes, I meant 'flat' as in sat on a table without rocking about.

That is a good solution though, very secure, very QR. You can pick up decent Arca-style clamps for £20 (Camera Gear UK, on ebay).
 
I'm still following this with interest although my technical skills might prevent me trying some of these things out......;)

What I really want, what I really really want, is something that will allow me to use a sling-style strap, use the camera on a tripod without unscrewing anything, and still allow me to put the camera down flat on a flat surface.

When you start exploring the internet you find all sorts of companies are offering all sorts of things but I'm not sure if I've found what I need yet....
 
jerry12953 said:
I'm still following this with interest although my technical skills might prevent me trying some of these things out......;)

What I really want, what I really really want, is something that will allow me to use a sling-style strap, use the camera on a tripod without unscrewing anything, and still allow me to put the camera down flat on a flat surface.

When you start exploring the internet you find all sorts of companies are offering all sorts of things but I'm not sure if I've found what I need yet....
Click to expand...

Exactly.

Markins L-bracket, little loop and some strong thread, and a £20 Arca clamp conversion for your tripod head. Job done :)
 
HoppyUK said:
Exactly.

Markins L-bracket, little loop and some strong thread, and a £20 Arca clamp conversion for your tripod head. Job done :)
Click to expand...

But then I'm onto the road of tripod clamps down which I do not wish to venture at the moment.....

Have you ever used a Novoflex Magicball head? No need for a QR plate or a clamp and extremely flexible. While mine is still functioning I think I'll stay where I am......
 
The whole idea of fixing the strap to the tripod mount is beyond me, why did the camera manufacturers put two strap mounting points on the camera in the first place, just use one of those as in my photo, and as used by the Lu.Ma loop strap.
 
jerry12953 said:
But then I'm onto the road of tripod clamps down which I do not wish to venture at the moment.....

Have you ever used a Novoflex Magicball head? No need for a QR plate or a clamp and extremely flexible. While mine is still functioning I think I'll stay where I am......
Click to expand...

Yes, I know where you're coming from.

Something like this Markins plate? You'll love the price :D https://www.photoproshop.com/product_info.php/cPath/27_93/products_id/709 You'll probably find that it's cut-away to some extent underneath but should be okay on that wacky head of yours ;) Kirk do something similar (no doubt others) with duplicate tripod bush and a strap lug.

Chris Hejnar will also make you a custom jobbie, along these lines http://cgi.ebay.com/2-bidirectional...122?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35b1ae904a Anything you want really, very helpful guy.

I wonder if Joe at RedSnapper might be able to help. I think he also has a machine shop.
 
whiteflyer said:
The whole idea of fixing the strap to the tripod mount is beyond me, why did the camera manufacturers put two strap mounting points on the camera in the first place, just use one of those as in my photo, and as used by the Lu.Ma loop strap.
Click to expand...

Couldn't quite see how your strap was attached to the camera actually.

I saw the Lu.ma strap on the internet. Looked interesting but that push button release seemed a bit worrying to me......

I wonder whether a camera generally hangs better when attached at one point on the base than one on the shoulder?
 
jerry12953 said:
That would be really helpful!

Hope the purchase goes well.
Click to expand...

Strap arrived today. So quick & speedy delivery. I'll post pictures later.

First impressions, good quality, no issues with the strap or the carabiner, the construction seems fine with no jagged edges that could cause damage. I'm 5'11" and the strap could do with being just a little longer as I'd like it to hang a little lower on my hip.

The L plate attaches securely (obviously not been out with it yet) & hopefully that will stay the same in use. I've attached my tripod plate to the L plate. This fits but will not tighten into place & the plate does revolve. This may be my plate or a fault of the L plate design.

So that's first impression, will post more when I've been out & about with it.
 
I have tried a few straps including the Sun Sniper Pro bear and steel, which is a slider type attaching to the tripod mount. It works reasonably well, but I find it still gets in the way for portrait orientation work.

However I have recently found the best solution - no strap at all! It is a liberating feeling and in a stroke gets rid of all handling/tripod issues! I use a 1D with big L lenses and it is amazingly easy to walk about holding it in 1 hand. Occasionally I can benefit from a strap so I screw the Sun Sniper into the tripod mount which only takes 5 sec, but it rarely stays on for long. Try it!
 
jezza8 said:
I have tried a few straps including the Sun Sniper Pro bear and steel, which is a slider type attaching to the tripod mount. It works reasonably well, but I find it still gets in the way for portrait orientation work.

However I have recently found the best solution - no strap at all! It is a liberating feeling and in a stroke gets rid of all handling/tripod issues! I use a 1D with big L lenses and it is amazingly easy to walk about holding it in 1 hand. Occasionally I can benefit from a strap so I screw the Sun Sniper into the tripod mount which only takes 5 sec, but it rarely stays on for long. Try it!
Click to expand...

But lets just say you wanted to wave at your uncle and scratch your bum at the same time......
 
whiteflyer said:
The whole idea of fixing the strap to the tripod mount is beyond me, why did the camera manufacturers put two strap mounting points on the camera in the first place,
Click to expand...
I am not sure that the Camera manufactures would agree with you when it comes to large lenses, which is why they supply lens anchor points and straps. I certainly would not have carried my 300/2.8 + tc + Camera hanging off one of the Camera points that's for sure.
 
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